Sandra Bem: Revolutionizing Our Understanding of Gender

Sandra Bem revolutionized psychological approaches to gender identity through her groundbreaking research on psychological androgyny and gender schema theory, establishing therapeutic frameworks that continue to help individuals navigate gender-related challenges in mental health counseling today.

Ever felt constrained by society's expectations about how you should think, feel, or behave based on your gender? Sandra Bem revolutionized our understanding of gender identity by showing that we can embrace both masculine and feminine traits – and her groundbreaking research continues to help people break free from limiting gender roles today.

Sandra Lipsitz Bem: Pioneer of Gender Psychology

Even if you’re not familiar with the name Sandra Lipsitz Bem, you may have already encountered her revolutionary ideas about gender. Sandra Bem was a trailblazing psychologist whose work fundamentally changed our understanding of gender roles, identity, and equality in American society.

The Life and Journey of Sandra Bem

Sandra Bem was an innovative psychologist and researcher who transformed how we conceptualize gender issues. Throughout her life, she embodied the principles of independence, equality, and self-determination that she advocated in her work.

Early Influences and Formation

Born Sandra Ruth Lipsitz in 1944, Bem grew up in a household where traditional gender roles were openly questioned. Her mother, who disliked household chores, warned young Sandra that life would be difficult because she was female. Despite her turbulent home environment, Sandra developed a close relationship with her younger sister and began forming her own ideas about gender from an early age. While attending Orthodox Jewish school, she defied expectations by refusing to wear skirts, choosing pants instead—an early indication of her willingness to challenge gender norms.

Unlike the tumultuous relationship modeled by her parents, Sandra envisioned marriage as a partnership built on mutual respect, stability, and equality—ideals that would later inform both her personal choices and professional work.

A Pioneering Partnership

While studying at Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie-Mellon University), Sandra met psychology professor Daryl Bem. Despite their six-year age difference, they quickly developed a close relationship and married when Sandra was just 20 years old.

The Bems established what was, for their time, a revolutionary egalitarian marriage. They even appeared on the cover of the first issue of Ms. Magazine as exemplars of an equal partnership. When they became parents, Sandra and Daryl raised their two children in a deliberately gender-neutral environment where chores, self-expression, and behavior weren’t dictated by traditional gender roles—a highly unconventional approach for their era.

Their marriage eventually faced challenges when Daryl began stepping back from their shared parenting responsibilities as the children entered their teens. Unwilling to compromise on their original agreement, Sandra separated from Daryl, though they never formally divorced and continued to co-parent effectively. This decision reflected her unwavering commitment to her principles of equality.

Academic Achievements

After earning her undergraduate psychology degree from Carnegie Tech in 1965, Sandra pursued graduate studies at the University of Michigan, receiving her Ph.D. in 1968. She returned to Carnegie Tech to teach and began focusing her research on gender studies and sex roles.

Her groundbreaking research on gender bias in job advertisements led to the development of the “Bem Sex Role Inventory,” a revolutionary scale for measuring gender role orientation. This work introduced the concept of psychological “androgyny”—having both masculine and feminine traits—as a healthy alternative to rigid gender typing.

Bem’s academic career flourished at Stanford University, where she served as a psychology professor before moving to Cornell University in 1978. At Cornell, she directed the Women’s Studies program until her retirement in 2010, cementing her legacy as a leading feminist scholar.

Activism and Impact

Sandra Bem’s influence extended well beyond academia. Her research and expert testimony figured prominently in court cases challenging gender discrimination and sex-biased job advertising. As a sought-after speaker on gender issues, she helped business leaders reconsider how gender perceptions influenced marketing and hiring practices.

Her scholarly publications, including the landmark book “The Lenses of Gender: Transforming the Debate on Sexual Inequality,” examined how gender polarization shapes individual experiences and societal structures. Other significant works included “An Unconventional Family,” which chronicled her own family’s gender-neutral parenting approach, and influential articles on gender schema theory and sex-biased employment practices.

Final Chapter

Around age 65, Sandra Bem began experiencing memory and cognitive difficulties, eventually receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Consistent with her lifelong commitment to autonomy and self-determination, she had long maintained that she would end her life before losing her mental faculties. On May 20, 2014, with Daryl by her side, she made the final choice to die on her own terms.

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help immediately by calling 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or use their webchat at suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat.

Bem’s Revolutionary Contributions to Psychology

Sandra Bem’s work fundamentally transformed how psychologists understand the relationship between gender and mental health. Her innovative concepts and measurement tools earned her numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Publication Award from the American Psychological Association in both 1977 and 1980. In 1995, she was named an “Eminent Woman in Psychology” by the APA’s Divisions of General Psychology and History of Psychology.

The Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI)

The Bem Sex-Role Inventory represented a paradigm shift in measuring gender identity. Unlike previous approaches that viewed masculinity and femininity as opposite ends of a single spectrum, Bem’s 50-question assessment treated these as independent dimensions that could coexist within individuals.

The BSRI classified people into four categories based on their self-identified traits:

• Masculine (high masculine traits, low feminine traits)
• Feminine (high feminine traits, low masculine traits)
• Androgynous (high in both masculine and feminine traits)
• Undifferentiated (low in both masculine and feminine traits)

While the BSRI became widely used, it wasn’t without critics. Some researchers questioned its replicability and validity, while others challenged the theoretical foundations of gender schema theory that informed its development.

Psychological Androgyny

Bem’s concept of “androgyny” represented a significant contribution to gender psychology. Rather than meaning “neither” masculine nor feminine, Bem’s definition meant “both”—combining the Greek words for “man” (andros) and “woman” (gynos).

She argued that psychological androgyny—possessing both traditionally masculine and feminine strengths—represented the healthiest orientation for individuals and society. This flexible approach to gender allowed people to draw from a broader range of human capabilities rather than limiting themselves to gender-prescribed behaviors.

Gender Schema Theory

In her groundbreaking 1981 article “Gender Schema Theory: A Cognitive Account of Sex Typing,” Bem explained how children develop gender-based perceptions and behaviors. She proposed that societies encourage children to categorize their world through gender lenses, a process she called “sex typing.”

According to Bem, children develop a “gender schema”—a cognitive framework for organizing information based on gender associations. This schema influences how they perceive themselves and others, often leading them to conform to culturally defined gender roles.

Bem’s revolutionary insight was that gender-based categorization itself perpetuates inequality. She advocated for raising children with “gender-aschematic” processing—teaching them to perceive and evaluate themselves and others based on individual qualities rather than gender stereotypes.

Since Bem’s pioneering work, subsequent researchers have built upon her theories, exploring how gender development varies across cultures and historical periods.

Bem’s Legacy in Advancing Gender Equality

Sandra Bem’s commitment to gender equality manifested in all aspects of her life—from her personal relationships to her research and activism.

Equality in Personal Relationships

The Bems’ marriage represented a radical departure from traditional gender roles of their era. They established a relationship based on equal sharing of responsibilities and opportunities for professional growth. Even after their separation, they maintained a respectful partnership in co-parenting their children.

When Sandra made her end-of-life decision, Daryl honored her autonomy despite his personal wishes, demonstrating the deep respect that characterized their relationship.

Transforming Workplace Practices

Bem’s research on gender-biased job advertisements significantly influenced employment practices. Her expert testimony in discrimination cases helped establish legal precedents against gender-based hiring.

Before Bem’s influence, job listings were typically segregated by gender, with separate “help wanted—male” and “help wanted—female” sections. Her work helped dismantle these explicitly discriminatory practices, leading to more gender-neutral job advertising and expanded opportunities for all genders.

A Therapeutic Legacy

Beyond her research and activism, Sandra Bem was a skilled therapist who specialized in helping clients navigate gender-related challenges. Even as Alzheimer’s began affecting her cognitive abilities, colleagues noted her continued effectiveness in therapeutic settings.

Her work has influenced generations of therapists interested in gender issues. The therapeutic approaches she pioneered emphasize helping clients recognize and overcome internalized gender constraints, allowing them to develop more authentic and fulfilling identities.

Looking Forward: Bem’s Enduring Relevance

Sandra Bem’s vision of gender equality continues to inspire those working toward a world where people of all genders can reach their full potential. Her work, published by prestigious institutions including Yale University Press, remains foundational to contemporary gender studies and feminist psychology.

Are gender roles limiting your self-expression or relationships? Exploring these questions with a licensed clinical social worker can be transformative. At ReachLink, our experienced therapists can help you examine how gender expectations might be influencing your life and relationships.

Online therapy offers a convenient and effective way to address these issues. Research shows that the vast majority of couples who engage in online therapy find it beneficial, with many reporting they can discuss more personal and intimate details in this format than they might in traditional face-to-face sessions.

If you’re interested in exploring how gender roles and expectations are shaping your life and relationships, ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers are here to support your journey toward greater authenticity and fulfillment.

FAQ

• How can therapy help with gender identity exploration?

  Therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space to explore gender identity questions with a licensed professional. ReachLink therapists use evidence-based approaches to help clients understand their authentic selves, process emotions, and develop coping strategies for gender-related challenges.

• What types of therapy approaches does ReachLink use for gender-related counseling?

  ReachLink therapists utilize various evidence-based methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, and narrative therapy. These approaches help clients explore gender identity, challenge limiting beliefs, and develop self-acceptance strategies.

• How does online therapy support gender identity exploration?

  Online therapy through ReachLink offers privacy, convenience, and access to specialized therapists from the comfort of home. This format can be particularly beneficial for those who prefer discretion while exploring gender identity or who live in areas with limited in-person resources.

• When should someone seek therapy for gender identity questions?

  Consider seeking therapy when experiencing uncertainty about gender identity, dealing with related stress or anxiety, or needing support in self-discovery. ReachLink's licensed therapists can help navigate these important personal explorations in a supportive environment.